Archive for February, 2011

Nani, or to give him his full title of Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, has become an intricate part of United’s attack over the past eighteen months and continues to go from strength to strength as we move towards the ‘squeaky bum’ period.

To date, Nani has scored nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances (goals per game ratio of 39%) and a single goal in six Champions League appearances (goals per game ratio of 17%). Although his goals have been of vital importance for United, its his creating of chances that has stood out this season. Nani can be unplayable at times, either going on the outside of the left back or cutting in from the right and striking with his left foot.

I want to start doing some in depth reviews and analysis of United players and I thought that I would start with our influential Portuguese starlet.

Ten weeks late. This game was due to take place back in December but wintry conditions saw it postponed. This should really be a mouth-watering clash between teams fighting for the title. Chelsea, the reigning champions vs. the league leaders. However with 15 points between the sides, Chelsea are all but out of any title race and their biggest challenge now is to guarantee a top four finish.

After a deflating night in Europe midweek, an away game in the league is hardly welcomed. United were at Wigan today and were in for a tough match, until going 2-0 up when Wigan seemingly gave up. A further two goals were scored, completing a 4-0 win that sees United once again open up a 4 point gap over Arsenal. Below are the main talking points from the match.

Twenty points separate league leaders, Man United and relegation fighters Wigan. The task facing Wigan is a big one, every time they’ve met United ever they’ve lost – only a win can take them out of the bottom three on Saturday. Whereas for United they will look to once again open a four point gap over second-placed Arsenal.

Billy Meredith is still the oldest player ever to feature for Manchester United aged 46 years old. Ok, that was 90 years ago in May – but Meredith is considered by some to be the first footballing superstar. The Welshman had a, shall we say, eventful career – winning the Championship with United in 1907/08 and 1910/11. He was also part of the first ever Manchester United FA Cup winning side in 1909 – a 1-0 victory over Bristol City thanks to a Sandy Turnbull goal.

This is an old article that was created when the website was in its early days, however all the points are still valid and is still a very informative account of Meredith’s career at Manchester United.

Manchester United drew 0-0 away from home in Marseille tonight, with neither side really threatening the opposing keeper. United had the better of the first half, with Marseille the better of the second. Sir Alex Ferguson opted to start with Darron Gibson, ahead of Paul Scholes, in a three man midfield alongside the deep lying Michael Carrick with Darren Fletcher pushing on. Rooney started wide left, but drifted in throughout the match, whilst Nani operated on the right hand side. Below we discuss the talking point and urge you to get involved in the debate.

Last week, various media reports shone light on Ravel Morrison’s recent court-case. As a result, the player has now become more notorious for a troubled life off the field, than for the magical performances he continuously supplies on the pitch for the academy and reserves. Painted as Manchester United’s greatest emerging talent since Paul Scholes, these latest reports have cast doubt amongst many over whether 18 year old Morrison has the attitude and determination to fulfill his undeniable talent. United, for the time being, are sticking by their young wayward star. Delightfully skilled, with a honed gift unlike any other young English talent, Morrison has already become an enigma and a source of debate for many United supporters alike. Should he be binned, or should United stick by a player who has the potential to be one of the club’s true greats? And is the hype justified?

Ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League clash this evening, The Stretty Rant wanted to get the view of a Marseille fan on the game, Eric Cantona and predictions. So, we sent a few questions across to Sarah, who writes for the Offside to answer for us.

The Champions League returns after a winter break and throws United straight into a tough away trip to Marseille in the first knock-out round. For Evra and Obertan this is a return to their native country and for Gabby Heinze he faces his former employees. Both sides have important players missing but United will be on the hunt for that elusive away goal.

You’d be hard pushed to find a signing at youth level who’s made such a positive impact at the club. He joined United under controversial circumstances but in 18 months has shown glimpses of an incredible talent. So much so that he’s recently been given a first team squad number. Introducing, Paul Pogba…